How to Keep Your Splashback Sparkling Clean

Your kitchen splashback works hard to protect your walls from cooking splatters, grease, and water splashes. But all that protection means it needs regular cleaning to stay looking its best. Here's your complete guide to maintaining a spotless splashback with minimal effort.

Daily Maintenance: The 2-Minute Habit

The secret to a clean splashback isn't intensive scrubbing—it's consistency. After cooking, take just two minutes to wipe down your splashback with a damp microfiber cloth. This prevents grease and grime from building up and becoming stubborn stains. For an extra shine, follow up with a dry cloth to prevent water spots.

Weekly Deep Clean

Once a week, give your splashback a more thorough clean:

For Tile Splashbacks:

 Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto your tiles, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. For grout lines, use an old toothbrush dipped in baking soda paste to gently scrub away discoloration.

For Glass Splashbacks:

Use a glass cleaner or make your own with one part white vinegar to four parts water. Spray generously, then wipe in a circular motion with a lint-free cloth or squeegee from top to bottom to avoid streaks.

For Stainless Steel:

Wipe with warm soapy water in the direction of the grain, then dry thoroughly. For stubborn marks, use a specialized stainless steel cleaner and buff to restore shine.

Tackling Stubborn Grease

Cooking grease is the splashback's biggest enemy. For built-up grease, create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply it to greasy areas, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge. The alkaline nature of baking soda cuts through grease naturally without harsh chemicals.

What to Avoid

Protect your splashback by steering clear of abrasive scrubbers, which can scratch surfaces, especially glass and stainless steel. Avoid bleach on colored grout as it can cause discoloration, and never use acidic cleaners on natural stone splashbacks as they can etch the surface.

Pro Tips for Long-Term Care

Install a range hood to reduce the amount of grease reaching your splashback in the first place. Keep a spray bottle of your preferred cleaning solution under the sink for quick access. Most importantly, don't let spills sit—the longer they remain, the harder they become to remove.

A clean splashback doesn't just look better; it's more hygienic and will last longer too.